Spring tire



sept. .26, v1933. I P, GAUTHIER 1,928,530

SPRING TIRE Filed Jan. 1v, 193s 2 sheets-sheet 1 Sept. 26, 1933.

P. GAUTHIER SPRING TIRE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan. 17, 1953 Z1 L 3W hibia au'hier Patented Sept. 26, 1933 tirant sereine 'rias Phibia Gauthier, Iiowell, Mass. Y Application January 17, 1933. Serial No. 652,203

9 Claims.

My invention relates to resilient tires of the spring type, more particularly to an improvement upon the form ofv spring tire structure dis- Vclosed by Letters'Patent No, 1,159,759 granted to me November9, 1915, which not only embodies the objects andadvantages rof theconstruction rof tire as set forth by the Letters Patent ,aforesaid, but has for its further object to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a 'spring tire structure including resilient jointed sections, with the joints between the sectionsvarranged within the tire body, to prevent the impairment of the joints, whenk the tire is employed for traction purposes whereby the durability of the tire 5 is materially enhanced.

-A further object of the invention isto provide, in a manner `as hereinafter set forth, a

resilient tire structure, ofthe spring type, in-

cluding a' widetread surface `so formed as to 0 reduce the skidding thereof to a minimum.

A further object of the inventionisto provide, -in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a sectional resilient tire structure possessing a cushioning characteristic.wherebythe latter will not be impaired in case of puncture thereby overcoming the objectionsinow present in the form of` pneumatic tire now generally used.

A further object of the invention is to provide, in a manner as hereinafter set forth, a resilient, sectional tire structure including a series of sections flexibly jointed together withfeach section having associated therewith a resilientfelement,

and with the structure including means to pro-y being clogged with dirt.,

Further objects of the invention are to provide', in amanner as hereinafter set forth, a spring tire structure which is comparatively simplein its construction and arrangement, strong,

tect the resilient elements from rusting and durable, possessing a cushioning characteristic,

thoroughly eicient in itsY use,vreadily repaired when occasion requires, quicldy assembled, rand comparativelyy inexpensive to manufacture.

To thel above ends essentially, and to others which may: hereinafter appear, the invention consists of such parts, and such combination of parts which fall within the scopeof the invention as claimed. t

In the drawings: V

0 Figure 1 is .aside elevation of a wheel showing the adaptation therewith of the spring tire structure, thel latter being broken away and partly in section. f f f f i Figure 2 is an elevation looking towards the treadl surface of the structure.

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Figure 3 is a cross sectional View of the structure showing the sectional tread carrier in normal position. y

Figure 4 is a View similar to `Figure 3 with the sectional tread carrier shiftedgfrom normal.

Figure 5 is a fragmentary view in longitudinal section of the structure.

Figure 6 is a fragmentary view in plan look-v ing, towards the inner faces of the tread carriers. I

Figure 7 is a front elevation partly in section of ak modified form of tread element.

AFigure Sis a fragmentary View in side elevation of the modified form of tread element as applied to a wheel. f

The spring tire structure includes' a tread carrier formed ofa pair of annular oppositely disposed sectionsl, 2 of like form, each of which consists of a ring 3 having an outwardly di.- rected annular flange 4 at its outer side.. The 75 inner edge of one ringopposes in spaced relation rthe inner edge of the other, and when so areV ranged the flanges 4 coact with the .remaining portions of therings to provide an annular groove 5 in Whichis mounted an annular tread element 80 6 formed of resilient material andA consisting of a band'l,l having Vits outer peripheryFprovided with circumferentially extending spaced rows of spaced rectangularV protuberances 8 forming antiskidding members 9. The protuberances 8 of one 85 row, are arranged in endwisepopposed spaced alignment with those of an adjacent row. Arranged on the periphery of the band 7 between and spaced from the rows of protuberances 8 is a circumferentially extending row of spaced rectangular enlargements l0. Each of the latter is reduced at its center, as at l1 to form av pair of protuberances l2vfor the same purpose as the protuberances 8. The enlargements 10 also pro` vide reinforcements for the band 7 at the center 95 i thereof. The protuberances 12 are arranged in endwise opposed spaced alignment with the protuberances 8. The protuberances 8 and 12 are of greater thickness than the band '7, andthe latter between the rows of protuberances 8 and 100 the row of enlargements 10 is formed with spaced circumferential rows of openings 13 Which'register with openings 14 formed in the rings 3i l The spring tire 'also includes two opposed cir cular setsV of resilient structures of arcuatecon-V tour in vlengthwise section. Thel structuresof 'one4 set areigenerally indicated at 15 and those of the other set at 15. The structures of one set are oppositely disposed with respect toV those' of the other set; Each structure comprises a curved SCL' l vided with threaded walls. wall of each opening is the shank 33 of a cup 32 plate 16 provided at one end with an inwardly disposed lip 17 of semi-circular cross section and formed with a series of spaced transverse slots 18. The other end of the plate 16 is enlarged to form a rib 19 of substantially circular cross section and which extends inwardly with respect to the inner face of the plate. The rib 19 is formed with a series of spaced inwardly extending apertured lugs 20. The plate .16 'centrally thereof is formed with-a boss 211and` an opening 22 which extends through the body of the plate and the boss 21. The wall of opening 22 is threaded. The opening 22 aligns with an opening 14, the latter registering with an opening 13. The plate 16 has an inwardly extending outer edge flange 23 which extends from the lip 17 to the rib 19.

Each plate of a structure 15, centrally of its inner side is formed with an inwardly extending angle-shaped extension formed of a pair of arms 24, 25 extending at right angles to each other. The arm 25 is for overlapping a plate 16 of a structure 15 and has a slot 26 formed with beveled end walls. The slot is for the passage of an inwardly extending apertured lug 27 formed .on'the plate 16 of a structure -15 at the inner side o the latter. A Cotter pin v26 extends -through the lug 27 for joining the opposed iimer vsides of a pair of sidewise opposed structures 15, 15' together. A latching member 29 extends Athrough lugs-20 of a rib for joining a pair of endwise opposed plate oieither structure 15 or 15 together. `The joints atV the sides and ends of the plates are such as to permit of the flexing of one set of resilient structures relative to the other set. The joints between theends of the plates `off the structure of each set permit of the structures'of each set flexing relatively to each other.

Each resilient structure furtherincludes a pair ofrspiral springs 30,730' of frusto-conical contour, the former having its outer or large end bearing against the inner face of plate 16. The spring 30 is arrangedwithin and is of less length than spring 30. The latter has its largest coil, which is at the outer end thereof coupled to plate 16 by keepers 31. The inner or smallest end o spring 30 is mounted in a cup '32 having a peripherally threaded shank 33. The springs 3() provide for the ordinary` load and the springs 36r are for the purpose of absorbingshocks or overloading. Each pair of springsy provides what may be termed a combined cushioning and shock absorbing element forming a part of each resilient structure.

Each'section of the tread carrier encompasses a circular set of resilient structures. The sections of the tread carrier are independently shiftable relatively to each other and is shifted by a `resilient structure of a set.

With reference to Figures 1, 2 andv3, a wheel is generally indicated at `34 and the hub, spokes and .rim thereof are indicated at 35, 36 and 37 respectively. The rim 37 is or" channel-shape cross section and the channel 38 provided thereby opens outwardly. Seated in the channel 38 is a'sectional annulus 39 formed with circumferentially extending spacedrows of-openings 40 pro- Engaging with the whereby the latter isfanchored stationary.

A iiexible protecting covering or casing 41 is provided for the cushioning elements and the joints between `the plates. The casing is 'interposed betweenfthe tread carrier and the two circular rows of plates, abuts the iianges 23 of plates 15 and the sides of the rim 37. Holdfast means 42 xtend through the sides of casing 41 into the sides of the rim 37 to secure the casing to the latter. The holdfast means 42 projects laterally from the rim and has associated therewith a pair of holding rings 43 which bind the inner ends of the sides of the covering or casing against the sides of the run. The holdfast means 42 and rings -43 are .of .the same .formas referred to in my patent aforesaid.

The tread 6, tread carrier and resilient structures 15, 15 are connected together by spaced headed holdfast means 44 extending through registering openings 13, 14, the cover or casing 41 and engaging the walls of openings 22.

The tread element 6 includes a pair of sidewise opposed spaced annular chains 45, each consisting of yoke-shaped links pivotally connected together. The chains are embedded in the band 7 rearwardly of the protuberance 8 and enlargements 10. The pivoted ends 45' of the links are disposed transversely within band 7 to align with the space between certain of the protuberances 8 and these enlargements 10 endwise aligning with such protuberances as shown in Figures 1 and The chains not only reinforce the tread eiement 6, but act to prevent the lateral extension ci the latter.

With reference to Figures 7 and 8 a modified forni o tread element 46 is shown and which consists of a band 47 provided with sidewise opposed spaced rows of spaced rectangular enlargements 48, each formed with a diamond-shaped protuberance 49 forming an anti-skid member. Eachprctuberance 49 has a central opening or ecess 00 in which is arranged the head of a holdv'ast means 51 functioning for the same purpose as the holdiast means 44. The tread element 46 has embedded therein a pair of chains 52 for the same purpose and of the same construction as the chains 45. The pivoted ends of the links of the chains 52 are arranged within the band 47 toalign with the spaces between lengthwise edges of the enlargements 48.

The inner ends of the sides of the covering or easing 41 are hemmed, as at 53. 'The hems have arranged therein annular springs 54 which function to maintain the cover against the sides of rim 37 and also prevent the sides of the covering from punching and puckering.

What I claim is:-

1. A spring tire comprising a pair of opposed circular sets of independently shiftable resilient structures, said sets having coacting means for flexibly connecting them together at the sides thereof, the structures of each of said sets having enacting means for exibly connecting them together at the ends thereof, a tread carrier formed of a pair of spaced sidewise opposed annular sections independently shiftable relatively to each other and each encompassing one of said sets, an annular tread element mounted in the outer faces of the sections of and extended from said carrier, said tread element being common to said sets, means for connecting said tread element, one of the sections of the carrier and one of said sets together, means for connecting said tread element, the other section of the carrier and each of the structures of the other of said sets together, and an annulus adapted to be mounted on a wheel rim, said annulus being common to said sets and secured thereto.

2. In a spring tire, two circular sets of resilient structures, each of the structures of each set havend formed with lugs for extending through the slotted lip of an adjacent structure, the rib and Ilugs of one structure coacting withthe slotted lip of an adjacent structurefor flexibly connecting the structures together, each of the structures of one set formed with an angle-shaped slot extension, each of the structures of the set formed with an apertured lug, said lugs coacting with said extensions for iiex-ibly connecting the sets together, a two-part 'tread carrier, each part encompassing vone of said sets, a tread element mounted in the carrier, and an annulus adapted to be mounted on a wheel rim, said annulus being commony to and having said sets of structures bearing thereagainst. f

3. In a spring tire, Va pair'of sidewise opposed independently shiftable sets of resilient structures, each set arranged in a circular row, the structures of each set having inwardly arranged means for flexibly connecting them together-at the endslthereof and inwardly arranged means for flexibly connecting the inner sides of the structures of one set to the inner sides of the structures of the other set, a tread carrier formed of a pair of spaced independently shiftable annular parts, each arranged in encompassing position with respect to one of said sets, an annular resilienttread element mounted in the parts of the carrier and common to saidl sets, an annulus adapted to be mounted on a wheel rim, said annulus common to said sets, the structures of said sets bearing against said annulus, spaced means for connecting the tread element, one of the parts of said carrier and each of the structures of one of said'sets together, and spaced means forconnecting the tread element, the other of the parts of the carrier and each of the structures of the other of said sets together.

4. A spring tire comprising a pair of opposed circular sets of independently shiftable resilient structures, said sets having coacting means for flexibly connecting them together in sidewise opposed relation, the resilient structures of each of said sets having coacting means for flexibly connecting themtogether at the ends thereof, an

annular tread carrier formed of a pair of spaced sidewise opposed sections independently shiftable relatively to each other, each encompassing one of the structures of one of said sets, an annular endless tread element mounted in and extended from the sections of the carrier and common to the saidsets, spaced radially disposed holdfast devices arranged circumferentially With respect to said tread element and each having its inner end anchored to a structure of one set for connecting said tread element, one of` the sections of the carrier and the structures of said set together, spaced radially disposed holdfast devices arranged circumferentially of said tread element and each having its inner end anchored to a structure of the other set for connecting said tread element, the other section of the carrier and thestructure of said other set together, an annulus adapted to be mounted on a wheel rim, said annulus being common to said sets and secured thereto, and a protecting element interposed between the carrier and said structures, opposing the outer sides of the latter and connected with the sides of said annulus.

5. A spring tire comprising a pair of sidewise opposed flexibly connected sets of resilient structures arranged in a circular row, an annulus adapted to be mounted on a wheel rim, said annulus common to said sets and having said structures"anchored'at-theirV inner ends therein, the.

structures of each sethaving coacting means for flexiblyconnecting them together, a tread element carrier formedof a pair of sidewise opposed annular parts, said parts arranged in spaced relation and each encompassing` a set of resilient structures, an annular tread element mounted in and extended fromthe parts of said carrier and common to said sets, spaced means for connectingfone of the parts of the carrier, oneof said sets and said tread element together, spaced meansfor connecting theother part of the carrier, the other of said sets and tread element to-' gether, and a protecting element interposed between the carrier and said structures, opposing the outer sides of the latter and connected with the sides of said annulus. Y n

f 6. In a spring tire, a tread carrier formed of a pair of edgewise opposed spaced annularparts, a pair of flexibly connected sidewise opposed circular sets of resilient structures adapted to be connected with and encompass a Wheel rim, each of said parts being circumferentially disposed with respect to one of said sets, an annular treadv element common to said sets and mounted in said parts, spaced rows of spaced holdfast devices arranged circumferentially with respect to said tread element, y the holdfast devices of each row being disposed radially with respect to the axis of the tire, the holdfast devices of one row being anchored in the structures of one set and connecting the latter, one of said parts and a side portion of the tread element together, the holdfastdevices of the other row being anchored in the structures of the other set and connectingtheother of said parts and the other side of the tread element together, and a pair of sidewise opposed annular spaced resilient reinforcing members, each of said members being embedded in a side portion of said tread element. k

r'7. In a spring tire, a pair of sidewise opposed circular sets of resilient structures, each of the structures of each set including a lengthwise curved plate formed at one end with an inward- 1y extending curved lip formed with a plurality of apertures and its other end with a rounded rib provided with aperture lugs, the lip of one plate overlapping the rib of an adjacent plate, the lugs of one plate extending through-theapertured lip of an adjacent plate, a retaining member extending through the lugs of each plate and in connection with the lips and ribs flexibly connecting the plates together at their ends, the inner side of each of the plates of one set formed with an angle-shaped slotted extension, the inner side of each of the plates of the other set being formed with an apertured lug passing through a slotted extension, retainers extending through the apertures of and coacting with the lugs passing throughL said extensions and coacting With the l' latter for flexibly connecting said sets together, and a iiexible tread structure anchored at said plates. n

8. In aspring tire, a tread carrier formed of a pair of sidewise opposed spaced parts each in the to the inner side of the structures of the other n set, the structures of each set having vcoasting means at their ends for flexibly connecting them together, each being encompassed by one of said parts, each of said parts having spaced openings,

a tire element common to, mounted in and extended from said parts, two spaced sets of holdfast devices, one extending through said tread ele- .pair of sidewise opposed spaced parts each in the form of an annuius, two circular sets of sidewise opposed resilient structures adapted to be disposed circumferentially with respect to a wheel rim, said structures having coacting means for flexibly connecting the inner side of the structures of one set to the inner side of the structures of the other set, the structures of each set having coacting means at their ends for flexibly connecting them together, each being encompassed by one of said parts, each of said parts having spaced openings, a tire element common to, mounted in and extended from said parts, two spaced sets of holdfast devices, one extending through said tread element, the openings in one of said parts and anchored to the structures of a set and the other extending through said tread element, the openings in the other of said parts and anchored to the structures of the other set of structures whereby said sets of structures, parts of said carrier and said tread element are connected together, a pair of spaced sidewise opposed annular reinforcing members, each embedded in a side portion of the tread element, and each set of holdfast devices extending through and spaced from the body of a reinforcing member.

PHIBIA GAUTHIER. 

